How To Remove SurfBoost From Your Mac [Complete Guide]

author avatarIvelin Krastev Hours Posted on Hours Updated on

Before we dive in

Before we dive in, let's make sure you stay safe online. We created SpyHunter because your security matters to us.

Protect your computer today — download SpyHunter right here! Check out our top tips below to keep your computer safe and secure.

Download SpyHunter

This Article Contains:

SurfBoost is a browser hijacker that subtly infiltrates your web browser, altering settings without explicit permission and disrupting your online experience.

Typically masquerading as a helpful tool that promises to enhance browsing speed and efficiency, SurfBoost instead exerts control over your search engine, homepage, and even your browsing history.

This article will explore the characteristics of SurfBoost, detail its intrusive behaviors, and provide a comprehensive guide on how to effectively remove it from your system.

Let’s get started!

Introduction to SurfBoost browser hijacker

SurfBoost is a type of malware that is categorized as a browser hijacker. When installed on your computer, it modifies your browser’s settings, including your default search engine, which becomes SurfBoost Search.

The purpose of this hijacker is presumably to generate revenue through advertising and redirecting search queries to specific sites.

Understanding how SurfBoost works

SurfBoost operates by attaching itself to your browser as an extension or an app. Once established in your system, it starts manipulating your browser’s behavior.

The key to its operation is in redirecting your search queries through SurfBoost Search, which, in turn, directs you to Yahoo’s search results. This tactic is believed to generate advertising revenue, leveraging Yahoo’s search results.

Moreover, SurfBoost does not limit itself to search engine manipulation.

It has strategies to increase ad exposure, such as opening new browser tabs that display ads. These ads sell software, push false updates, or promote tech support scams.

Signs of SurfBoost installation

Detecting SurfBoost on your computer may rely on observing specific changes in your browsing experience.

The most notable initial difference is that your default search engine switches to SurfBoost. In line with this, your browser’s search queries get redirected through SurfBoost Search.

You may also find the SurfBoost extension or program installed on your computer.

Lastly, you will likely experience interruptions like ads opening in new tabs and proposed software deals, among other intrusions.

Steps to remove SurfBoost from your Mac

Should your Mac fall victim to the SurfBoost browser hijacker, fear not, as there are clear steps you can follow to rid your system of this intrusive program.

It involves a multi-step process that needs to be followed in the correct order for successful malware removal.

Remove malicious profiles from the system

The first step in eradicating the SurfBoost threat is locating and removing any malicious profiles the hijacker may have created on your Mac. These profiles often masquerade as device management settings, granting unauthorized control over system settings to remote entities, thereby enabling the continuous functioning of the browser hijacker.

1. Open System Settings and locate the Profiles section under the Privacy & Security tab.
2. Review the configuration profiles and pinpoint any suspicious ones you wish to delete.
3. Click the ‘-‘ (minus) button and confirm the action to remove SurfBoost from the config altogether.

the general configuration profile settings on macos

Remove the SurfBoost application

After purging your Mac of malicious profiles, the next step is eliminating SurfBoost directly from your computer.

This requires diving into your system files and removing the SurfBoost-related program or extension.

Follow these procedures to identify and eliminate any potentially harmful applications and files that could have been installed on your Mac.

Note: These instructions apply to any Mac device, whether a MacBook Air, Mac mini, MacBook Pro, or iMac.

Uninstalling apps via Finder

  1. Open Finder and navigate to the Applications folder.
  2. Review the installed programs and look for SurfBoost. If you cannot find it, identify any unwanted or questionable application.
  3. Right-click on the app you want to delete; choose Move to Trash or drag it into the Trash can.
  4. Empty the Trash.
delete a program from applications using finder

Uninstalling apps via Launchpad

  1. Open Launchpad and look for SurfBoost. If you cannot find it, identify any unwanted application or such that looks suspicious.
  2. Press the ⌥ (Option) key until the app icons start shaking.
  3. Click the [X] icon next to the app to remove it. Then empty the Trash bin.

Use SpyHunter for Mac to remove SurfBoost

An essential measure towards securing your Mac from SurfBoost is leveraging the capabilities of a proven malware removal tool like SpyHunter.

SpyHunter for Mac provides a robust, user-friendly solution for scanning your system and banishing any signs of the SurfBoost browser hijacker.

To ensure the ongoing safety of your Mac, follow these steps:

remove surfboost with spyhunter
remove malware, viruses, and potentially unwanted programs with spyhunter for mac

Remove SurfBoost from web browsers

Finally, purge the lid on SurfBoost’s unwelcome presence from your browsers.

Safari, Chrome, and Firefox often serve as conduits for the SurfBoost browser hijacker. Hence, it is essential to comb through each browser’s extensions, add-ons, and plug-ins, purging any components related to SurfBoost.

Pay close attention to your default search engine settings to ensure they revert to your preference.

Steps for Safari

  1. Open Safari and select Preferences from the drop-down menu.
  2. Click on the Extensions tab.
  3. Locate the SurfBoost Safari extension and remove it.

Steps for Google Chrome

  1. Open Google Chrome.
  2. In the address bar, type in chrome://extensions
  3. Find the SurfBoost Chrome extension and remove it.

Steps for Mozilla Firefox

  1. Open Firefox.
  2. In the address bar, type in about:addons
  3. Find the SurfBoost Firefox extension and delete it.

Advanced options to remove SurfBoost

If the basic steps outlined above don’t remove SurfBoost, or if the browser hijacker has manipulated and greyed out your browser settings, there are advanced steps you can take to eliminate this infuriating malware from your Mac.

Workaround for greyed-out Safari homepage

Occasionally, SurfBoost may modify your system so that Safari’s homepage setting appears greyed out, preventing you from changing it.

In such cases, consult an advanced guide for dealing with Safari browser hijacks, as the instructions might differ based on your MacOS version and how SurfBoost has affected your system.

Delete Safari’s preferences file

Another advanced step involves deleting Safari’s preferences file. By doing this, you’ll reset all settings to their defaults.

However, be warned that you’ll also lose browser history, bookmarks, and other user-specific configurations for Safari.

Remove unwanted policies from Chrome

SurfBoost may have created undesirable policies in Chrome, which can result in unwanted searches and redirects. These can be identified and removed through Chrome’s policy viewer, effectively restoring proper control of your browser’s settings.

Remove the “Managed by your organization” policy from Chrome

If your Chrome indicates it’s “Managed by your organization,” there’s a possibility that SurfBoost is still hiding within your system. Specific procedures can remove this and ensure total eradication of SurfBoost from your Mac.

Reinstall Google Chrome

In some instances, completely reinstalling Google Chrome may be necessary to remove SurfBoost entirely.

By doing this, you will remove any residual files or extensions that could be sustaining its presence.

Remember to back up any essential bookmarks or history before performing such an operation.

Reset Firefox settings to default

A complete settings reset for Firefox can help users dismiss any lingering traces of SurfBoost.

This step will return Firefox to its default settings while preserving essential user data like bookmarks, browsing history, open tabs, windows, passwords, cookies, and web form auto-fill information.

Precautions against SurfBoost

While SurfBoost can be annoying and potentially dangerous, there are proactive steps one can take to protect their Mac from this browser hijacker.

These preventive measures help users maintain their preferred browser settings and ensure a hassle-free online experience.

Pay attention during software installations

Software installations are a typical road that SurfBoost uses to infiltrate your system.

Often bundled as an addon with other software installers, SurfBoost manages to install itself without making its intentions known to the user. Thus, a user might unknowingly agree to this change.

To prevent this, paying close attention during software installation processes is vital to ensure you only install what you genuinely want and need.

Opt for custom installation

One way to better control what gets installed on your computer is by choosing the custom installation option.

Unlike the express (or standard) installation option, custom installation allows you to review and modify the components you agree to install on your system.

Thus, unwanted extras like SurfBoost can be excluded from installation, fortifying your defense against unwanted browser modifications.

Avoid unfamiliar software downloads

Another good practice is to avoid installing unknown software, particularly from an unverified source. If you are not confident in a software’s trustworthiness, desisting from installing it is safer.

This applies to optional software that you never intended to download or install. Understanding what you download helps defend your Mac from SurfBoost and other similar threats.

Share this post on your favorite social media
author avatar

Ivelin is a Mac security expert who works hard to keep computers safe. He helps develop SpyHunter for Mac, a tool that fights off new cyber threats. With a lot of experience, Ivelin knows a lot about keeping Macs safe and makes sure people can use their computers without worry.

Keep Your Mac Fast and Secure
Optimize your Mac and stay malware-free with SpyHunter
Download SpyHunter For Free

For a better understanding of our policies, please review our Free Trial Offer below, EULA, and Privacy/Cookie Policy.

SpyHunter Free Trial: Important Terms & Conditions

The SpyHunter Trial version includes, for one device, a one-time 7-day Trial period for SpyHunter 5 Pro (Windows) or SpyHunter for Mac, offering comprehensive malware detection and removal functionality, high-performance guards to actively protect your system from malware threats, and access to our technical support team via the SpyHunter HelpDesk. You will not be charged upfront during the Trial period, although a credit card is required to activate the Trial. (Prepaid credit cards, debit cards, and gift cards are not accepted under this offer.) The requirement for your payment method is to help ensure continuous, uninterrupted security protection during your transition from a Trial to a paid subscription should you decide to purchase. Your payment method will not be charged a payment amount upfront during the Trial, although authorization requests may be sent to your financial institution to verify that your payment method is valid (such authorization submissions are not requests for charges or fees by EnigmaSoft but, depending upon your payment method and/or your financial institution, may reflect on your account availability). You can cancel your Trial by contacting EnigmaSoft’s payment processor (identified in your confirmation email) or EnigmaSoft directly no later than two business days before the 7-day Trial period expires to avoid a charge coming due and being processed immediately after your Trial expires. If you decide to cancel during your Trial, you will immediately lose access to SpyHunter. If, for any reason, you believe a charge was processed that you did not wish to make (which could occur based on system administration, for example), you may also cancel and receive a full refund for the charge any time within 30 days of the date of the purchase charge. See FAQs.

At the end of the Trial, you will be billed upfront immediately at the price and for the subscription period as set forth in the offering materials and registration/purchase page terms (which are incorporated herein by reference; pricing may vary by country per purchase page details) if you have not timely canceled. Pricing typically starts at $72 for 3 months (SpyHunter Pro Windows) and $42 for 3 months (SpyHunter for Mac). Your purchased subscription will be automatically renewed in accordance with the registration/purchase page terms, which provide for automatic renewals at the then applicable standard subscription fee in effect at the time of your original purchase and for the same subscription time period, provided you’re a continuous, uninterrupted subscription user. Please see the purchase page for details. Trial subject to these Terms, your agreement to EULA/TOS, Privacy/Cookie Policy, and Discount Terms. If you wish to uninstall SpyHunter, learn how.

For payment on the automatic renewal of your subscription, an email reminder will be sent to the email address you provided when you registered before your next payment date. At the onset of your trial, you will receive an activation code that is limited to use for only one Trial and for only one device per account. Your subscription will automatically renew at the price and for the subscription period in accordance with the offering materials and registration/purchase page terms (which are incorporated herein by reference; pricing may vary by country per purchase page details), provided that you are a continuous, uninterrupted subscription user. For paid subscription users, if you cancel, you will continue to have access to your product(s) until the end of your paid subscription period. If you wish to receive a refund for your then current subscription period, you must cancel and apply for a refund within 30 days of your most recent purchase, and you will immediately stop receiving full functionality when your refund is processed.

For CALIFORNIA CONSUMERS, please see the notice provisions:
NOTICE TO CALIFORNIA CONSUMERS: Per the California Automatic Renewal Law, you may cancel a subscription as follows:

  1. Go to www.enigmasoftware.com and click the "Login" button at the top right corner.
  2. Log in with your username and password.
  3. In the navigation menu, go to "Order/Licenses." Next to your order/license, a button is available to cancel your subscription if applicable. Note: If you have multiple orders/products, you will need to cancel them on an individual basis.

Should you have any questions or problems, you can contact our EnigmaSoft support team by phone at +1 (888) 360-0646 (USA Toll-Free) / +353 76 680 3523 (Ireland/International) or by email at support@enigmasoftware.com.
How do you cancel a SpyHunter Trial? If your SpyHunter Trial was registered via MyCommerce, you can cancel the trial via MyCommerce by logging into the MyAccount section of MyCommerce (see your confirmation email for further details). You can also contact MyCommerce by phone or email to cancel. To contact MyCommerce via phone, you can call +1-800-406-4966 (USA Toll-Free) or +1-952-646-5022 (24x7x356). You can contact MyCommerce by e-mail at ordersupport@mycommerce.com. You can easily identify if your trial was registered via MyCommerce by checking the confirmation emails that were sent to you upon registration. Alternatively, all users may also contact EnigmaSoft Limited directly. Users can contact our technical support team by emailing support@enigmasoftware.com, opening a ticket in the SpyHunter HelpDesk, or calling +1 (888) 360-0646 (USA) / +353 76 680 3523 (Ireland/International). You can access the SpyHunter HelpDesk from SpyHunter's main screen. To open a support ticket, click on the "HelpDesk" icon. In the window that appears, click the "New Ticket" tab. Fill out the form and click the "Submit" button. If you are unsure of what "Problem Type" to select, please choose the "General Questions" option. Our support agents will promptly process your request and respond to you.

———

SpyHunter Purchase Details
You also have the choice of subscribing to SpyHunter immediately for full functionality, including malware removal and access to our support department via our HelpDesk, typically starting at $42 for 3 months (SpyHunter Basic Windows) and $42 for 3 months (SpyHunter for Mac) in accordance with the offering materials and registration/purchase page terms (which are incorporated herein by reference; pricing may vary by country per purchase page details). Your subscription will automatically renew at the then applicable standard subscription fee in effect at the time of your original purchase subscription and for the same subscription time period, provided you’re a continuous, uninterrupted subscription user and for which you will receive a notice of upcoming charges before the expiration of your subscription. Purchase of SpyHunter is subject to the terms and conditions on the purchase page, EULA/TOS, Privacy/Cookie Policy and Discount Terms.

———

General Terms
Any purchase for SpyHunter under a discounted price is valid for the offered discounted subscription term. After that, the then applicable standard pricing will apply for automatic renewals and/or future purchases. Pricing is subject to change, although we will notify you in advance of price changes.
All SpyHunter versions are subject to your agreeing to our EULA/TOS, Privacy/Cookie Policy, and Discount Terms. Please also see our FAQs and Threat Assessment Criteria. If you wish to uninstall SpyHunter, learn how.